What Medicare Actually Covers (And What It Doesn't)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and some home health. It has a monthly premium and an annual deductible.

Original Medicare does NOT cover most dental, vision, or hearing care, long-term custodial care, or prescription drugs taken at home. There is also no annual out-of-pocket maximum, which is the biggest gap most people overlook.

Closing those gaps is exactly why Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans exist. Which one fits you depends on how you use care.